Climbing to the Top: A Reborn Queen's Journey-Chapter 537: Upright and Openhearted

Jiang Shaohua stood outside the main gate, watching the bridal sedan chair fade into the distance.

For some reason, there was a faint sense of loss and melancholy in her heart.

Yin Zhu quietly laughed and said, "Today is Chen Sheren’s grand wedding day, isn’t the Commandery Princess happy for Chen Sheren?"

"Happy, of course, but there’s a bit of reluctance in my heart." Jiang Shaohua smiled and let out a light sigh, "I can now slightly understand the feeling of marrying off a daughter. After raising her by your side for so many years, she becomes someone else’s wife as soon as she marries, and the feeling is quite odd."

Yin Zhu burst into laughter: "The Commandery Princess is three years younger than Chen Sheren! Marrying off a sister is more like it, how did it become marrying off a daughter?"

Jiang Shaohua smiled faintly. In her previous life, she had lived to over thirty years old, and it had been nearly six years since she was reborn. From the perspective of age in her heart, when she looked at Chen Jinyu, wasn’t it just like looking at a junior?

This kind of feeling couldn’t be shared with Yin Zhu. It was only in front of Cui Du that she revealed a few words.

The injury on Cui Du’s left arm had greatly improved, no longer requiring a bandage, but it still couldn’t move left and right and seemed a bit stiff. His right hand, however, was very nimble, and he smoothly held the hand of his fiancée: "Chen Sheren has taken a one-month wedding leave, doesn’t it feel a bit empty not seeing Chen Sheren around for the next month?"

Jiang Shaohua thought for a moment and smiled, "That’s more or less how it feels."

Cui Du chuckled softly, "My left arm hasn’t healed yet, so I might as well use the New Year to recuperate for another month. I’ll accompany you every day."

Jiang Shaohua smiled and agreed, "Speaking of which, ever since you came to Nanyang County, you’ve been constantly busy with official duties. This period of recovery might allow for a good rest."

"Actually, I’m used to wandering around the field edges every day, nurturing the seeds daily." Cui Du suddenly sighed, "Being able to stay by your side, I’m naturally very happy. However, this life is too leisurely."

He’s so used to working that he can’t stay idle.

Jiang Shaohua smiled, "Staying in the Prince Mansion all day, I also feel a bit bored. Our wedding is scheduled for April next year. I’ll go and inspect the counties after the New Year and return to the Prince Mansion when it’s time for the wedding."

Cui Du didn’t intend to stop her at all: "Well then, I’ll go to the field manor and return to the Prince Mansion before the wedding."

This arrangement seems good. Usually, both are busy with their tasks, and when they have time, they meet. There’s no need to be clingy and stick together all day.

Jiang Shaohua nodded in agreement.

Cui Du glanced at Jiang Shaohua and suddenly asked, "Shao Hua, were those assassins sent by Zheng Sheren?"

Jiang Shaohua was silent for a moment, "There’s no evidence, but it should be him. Before I left the capital, I gave him a good beating."

As she spoke, there was a hint of apology in her eyes, "It’s not the right time to completely fall out with the Zheng Family. We’ll keep this score for now. One day, I’ll settle this score with you, with interest."

Cui Du was blunt, "It’s settled then."

He’s about to be hers... no, she’s already his. He was wronged by the assassin’s attack, so it’s naturally her responsibility to seek justice and vengeance.

Seeing Cui Du so righteous and proud, Jiang Shaohua found it amusing, yet she also felt warm inside.

For thousands of years, the world has held a male-dominated view. Most men willing to marry into a family do so out of necessity or for the woman’s power and wealth, like her own father, Lu Xuan.

Yet Cui Du is so composed, neither servile nor ashamed, proudly taking his place as her fiancé at every turn, unperturbed by the role reversal.

Such openness and confidence is what truly defines a man of great character.

"Cui Du, you truly are wonderful," Jiang Shaohua softly praised, "Meeting you is my great fortune."

Cui Du grinned, "The Commandery Princess is the best woman in the world. Meeting you is what makes this lifetime my fortune."

Jiang Shaohua pressed her lips into a smile, suddenly leaned in, and kissed him on the lips.

Cui Du’s entire body trembled, and with a sudden force, his right hand pulled her into his embrace, his lips clumsily finding hers, his warm breath mingling in her own.

With her strength and skills, a little force would be enough to push Cui Du away.

But for some reason, all her strength suddenly left her body.

Her eyelashes quivered and her eyes slowly shut.

...

After a long time, Cui Du lifted his head, his face as red as fire, his eyes like leaves washed by rain, sparkling bright. Like coals engulfed in fire, glowing with embers.

Jiang Shaohua didn’t need a mirror to know that her cheeks must be flushed red.

She averted her gaze to calm her heart and then turned to say, "Tonight, the Ma Family is hosting a wedding feast, and I’ll be going to share in the celebration. I’d like you to come with me."

Cui Du’s voice was slightly hoarse, "Alright, I’ll go change my clothes."

When Cui Du returned after changing his clothes, Jiang Shaohua couldn’t help but chuckle.

For such a formal wedding banquet, she wore the dress of a Commandery Princess, both dignified and composed. Cui Du, who usually loved wearing plain clothes, had switched to his Earl’s dress today. It was impressive and imposing, and standing next to her, it matched perfectly.

This little bit of thoughtfulness appeared endearing in her eyes.

Cui Du spun around, gleefully showing off, "How is it? Does it look good? Do we match?"

"It looks good," Jiang Shaohua generously praised, "and it matches perfectly with me."

Cui Du grinned widely, took Jiang Shaohua’s hand, and confidently walked out.

See, when you have a legitimate title, you can be this confident and relaxed.

Jiang Shaohua looked at her fiancé, proud as a peacock, and couldn’t help but smile. She indulgently and tenderly stood by his side, hand in hand, making a public appearance.

All the subordinate officials watched and shared knowing smiles.

The Commandery Princess returned to Nanyang County earlier, especially for Elder Changning. This thoughtfulness and affection need not be elaborated. Now, even the wedding date has been moved up. In just a few months, Elder Changning will "enter the household" as a son-in-law. The strong affection and proximity of the engaged couple are only natural.

"Commandery Princess, the carriage is ready." Even Song Yuan, who was usually solemn, showed a smile: "Please, Commandery Princess and Elder Changning, board the carriage."

Jiang Shaohua smiled and accepted, boarding the carriage with Cui Du. The other officials also boarded their respective carriages.

When they arrived at the Ma Family’s grand residence, it was nearing dusk, the hour for the wedding rites.

The seventy-plus-years-old County Magistrate Ma was all smiles today, full of vigor, leading the Ma Family in a respectful welcome for the Commandery Princess. Jiang Shaohua smiled and said, "County Magistrate Ma, please rise. There’s no need for such formalities. Let’s not delay the auspicious time for the ceremony."

County Magistrate Ma cheerfully obliged, leading the Commandery Princess into the joy hall, and invited her to the seat of honor.

Jiang Shaohua smiled and said, "Today is Ma Dianshan’s joyful wedding day, and County Magistrate Ma should rightly sit in the place of honor. It’s not my place to overshadow."

After a bit of back and forth, County Magistrate Ma finally took the seat of honor.

The groom, Ma Yaosong, dressed in bright red wedding robes, held a red silk ribbon in his hand, the other end clutched by the bride under her red veil.

First, they bowed to heaven and earth, then to the high elders, and finally, the couple bowed to each other.

Amidst the well-wishing laughter and congratulations of the guests, the ceremony was completed, and the bride and groom were escorted to their bridal chamber.